How Does Phoenix Compare To Austin As A Place To Live? [View All]

My GF and I are looking to move to a warmer place within the next 1.5-3 years or so, and our primary motivation is weather. We just can't handle the brutal Chicago winters anymore (this last one was the 4th cloudiest and snowiest on record), and the cold and lack of sun has been too much for many years.

I've done a lot of reading and a little talking to people in both cities, and they both have pros and cons. Politically speaking, it seems that Austin is more progressive and eco friendly, which I love. I know Tucson has a more progressive population, but isn't Phoenix more conservative?

Weather wise, they both have brutal summers both honestly, I would think the dry AZ summer would be better than the sticky, humid Austin summer that also involves mosquitoes (how do people deal with them? We have them here but with more water there, it's gotta be much worse) and flash floods. I mean, I would more nights in AZ would be tolerable after sunset compared to humid nights. But I realize in either case most people probably go from air conditioned house to air conditioned car to (fill in the blank air conditioned place). And yes, I'd welcome that compared to having to spend 10 minutes bundling up to go outside in the cold and shoveling snow and ice off the car and driving on the icy roads!

I believe Austin has lower crime rates than Phoenix (keep in mind I'm referring to Phoenix area, not specifically IN the city of Phoenix), and there also seems to be a LOT more to do in Austin. Tons of arts, culture, festivals, music, food and on and on. Coming from Chicago those things are important to me.

We also enjoy nature and animals quite a bit, and it seems like Austin would offer more of those opportunities (although I know AZ has mountains and other beautiful things).

Finally, the cost of living in both cities is a solid amount lower than Chicago, particularly housing which is a huge plus for us.

I appreciate any and all feedback on this topic. I didn't cover everything (employment etc., but we've looked into that as well obviously), but feel free to add anything you think I might want to know. And keep in mind that I KNOW there is no perfect place to live, and that individual preferences vary. I'd just like some opinions.

Thanks